Located in the hilly West Austin Tarrytown neighborhood, the Windsor Residence renovation embraces the artistic and adventurous spirit of the artist who owns the home. Originally built in the early twentieth century, the one-story brick house is transformed with the addition of two modern boxes and entirely new interiors. The additions, which expand the kitchen area and add a studio library, are small blue boxes inserted into the white brick facades. Interiors are playful and inspired by client's travels and collection of colorful artworks. Design moves are refined yet don’t take themselves too seriously, letting subtle and bold colorways and textures work together throughout the home.
On the exterior, the historic charm of the building remains as the new additions are deferential to the original building in both their set back position and their contrasting colors and materials. Dark blue stucco wraps the boxes which are largely composed of expansive multi-lite green windows. The placement and finishes of the additions allow the old and the new to engage in a dialogue where each remains separate while also complementing one another.
The interior of the home is more dramatically transformed into a contemporary expression that builds on the intimacy of the original design. The primary living area is now expanded with the new studio and library space where custom wood shelving and floor-to-ceiling windows looking out on to the garden. The primary living space opens up on to the new light-filled dining room and adjacent kitchen where a lighter palette of earth tones in greys complements the wavy pink hues marking the floor tiles and the rose quartz countertops. A curved zellige-tiled hood above the stove, copper sink, and custom millwork are just a few of the elevated details in this highly functional and delightful kitchen. The lighter colors of the kitchen transition into darker and richer palettes with floral motifs in the bathrooms and laundry area where deep greens and blues take over.
In the primary suite, lush green terrazzo tiles and a light green plaster-like finish on the walls wrap the room in ethereal feeling as the changing natural light, from a curved wall reaching up to a new skylight, creates a dance of colors and textures in the room. The terrazzo floors flow through the bedroom to the primary bath finished in forest green zellige tile and a darker green plaster-like paint. A freestanding hammered-copper tub sits near a window providing a bright warm contrast to the cool emerald surroundings. A secondary bath is entirely covered in dark green/blue penny tiles including on its curved walls. Whimsical details such as cobalt-finished fixtures elevate the third bath, and the laundry room ceases to be an afterthought as a metallic floral wallpaper wraps the room
The textures of many of the materials add depth and interest to the rooms. The handmade feeling of the zellige tiles and their perfect fit without the interruption of visible joints creates a play of light as the sun moves across the rooms. In the kitchen the tile is light and playful, while the deep greens of the primary bath are moodier and more tranquil. Fluted details, found on the curved plaster fireplace in the living area and on all of the millwork in the kitchen, add depth and a rich feeling to the finishes.
The design of the home is a true reflection of the artistic spirit of our client. It embraces light, color, and texture boldly inviting everyone in to enjoy its charm.
